10th annual Klein Curaçao clean up
A Decade of Dedication: 100 Volunteers Clean Up Klein
Discover how nearly 100 volunteers joined forces for the 10th annual Klein Curaçao cleanup and learn about the efforts to protect this pristine island’s ecosystem and how you can help.
For those who have visited, Klein Curaçao is a slice of paradise. Its blindingly white sands, turquoise waters, and iconic lighthouse create a picture-perfect day-trip destination. But this uninhabited island faces a constant threat: ocean-borne pollution washing up on its shores.
That’s why, for the tenth year in a row, a small army of dedicated volunteers set sail to protect this natural treasure.
A Milestone Cleanup Mission
On a November 22th 2025, Exploring Curacao and close to one hundred volunteers boarded the Mermaid and made the journey to Klein Curaçao. This wasn’t a typical tourist trip; it was the tenth annual large-scale cleanup organized by Klein Curacao Conservation (KCC) and Curaçao Clean Up, one of the island’s most persistent and vital environmental initiatives.
The operation was a powerful display of community collaboration, bringing together various tour operators affiliated with Klein Curaçao Conservation, and supported by partners like Selikor, White Tip – Curaçao Industrial Divers. To work as efficiently as possible, the volunteers split into coordinated teams, each led by a captain, to tackle different sections of the Klein Curacao Island.
What Was Cleared From Paradise?
The debris removed tells a story of the ocean’s pollution problem. The volunteers didn’t just collect scattered plastic bottles; they confronted the sheer scale of marine waste. The haul included:
- Fragments of a broken vessel.
- Several meters-long, heavy ropes.
- Two refrigerators brought by the sea currents.
- Massive amounts of plastic pollution.
Beyond the cleanup, the teams also addressed safety concerns. Around the island’s famous lighthouse, they replaced damaged wooden planks on the walkway to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of future visitors.
Why Continuous Cleanups Are Crucial
Despite its pristine appearance, Klein Curaçao is incredibly vulnerable to currents that carry waste from across the ocean. Without these efforts, the island would be overwhelmed.
The annual large-scale cleanup is bolstered by the continuous weekly efforts of the Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao volunteers. This year-round commitment is what keeps the pollution levels somewhat manageable and protects the critical nesting grounds for sea turtles.
This decade-long dedication highlights a sobering reality but also a powerful message of hope. It shows that through sustained community action, we can fight back against marine pollution and preserve the natural beauty that makes Klein Curaçao so special.
How You Can Help Preserve Klein Curaçao
The work of Curaçao Clean Up, Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao and Bird Watching Curacao is inspiring, but they can’t do it alone. The health of this paradise depends on all of us. Here’s how you can make a difference on your visit:
- Less is More. It is crucial to understand that most of the residue and pollution found on Klein Curacao has not been brought or left behind by visitors, as many might think. In fact, most of it has actually been brought in by Caribbean sea currents. Therefore, it is important to be conscious of how and what we dispose of, and to reduce our plastic consumption in general.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: Whatever you bring to the island, take it back with you. Leave no trace behind.
- Choose Eco-Conscious Tour Operators: Support companies that are part of the solution and actively participate in preservation efforts.
- Be a Responsible Visitor: If you see a piece of trash, even if it’s not yours, pick it up and dispose it correctly. Every little bit helps.
- Be Concious: Do not trespass The Bird Nesting Areas of Klein Curacao. (If you are interested into bird watching you can book an responsible guided visit)
Post Note from the Editor: A huge thank you to all the volunteers and organizations like Klein Curacao Conservation, Curaçao Clean Up and Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao for their tireless work in protecting the natural beauty of our island. You are true heroes!
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